Carlisle Events planning restaurants, hotel for IAC

Carlisle Events, the car show producers, said today they likely will raze most of the buildings on the former IAC factory property in Carlisle to build a mixed commercial development with a hotel, restaurants, shops and apartments.

The company doesn't have specific plans just yet but likely will release additional details by the end of the summer, said Michael Garland, a Carlisle Events spokesman. The company will continue to work with Hampden Township-based Delta Development Group for definitive blueprints to build new commercial properties at the former automotive parts factory, he said.

"With what happened with the fire last week, we're comfortable with sharing our vision with the public," Garland said.

IAC's former office building on Carlisle Spring Road, which was home to its predecessor Lear and Masland companies, likely will be spared for reuse because of its historic ties to the community, he said. Some of the property's parking areas could be built on, he said.

Last week, a late-night fire destroyed two buildings at the 48-acre property and damaged others. State fire inspectors said the cause was accidental. A contractor, Battlestone Steel, was recovering scrap from the old factory, Garland said.

The IAC property is one of two large-scale redevelopment projects in Carlisle. Carlisle Events hadn't shared its plans until now.